About Us
Recent research shows that approximately 4% of Cambodians are disabled ("The disabled still lack employment opportunities," p. 8. Development Weekly, 18-24 December, 2006), which is one of the highest rates of disabilities in the world. Some of these disabilities are the results of land mines and unexploded ordinance left over from over two decades of war. There are also many people affected by polio, or who have limbs amputated due to untreated diabetes.
There are not many opportunities for Cambodians with disabilities to find work or to learn skills to support themselves, but Rehab Craft Cambodia trains people with disabilities in handicraft production, and provides career opportunities within the organization. Rehab's artisans produce handicrafts from silver, silk, wood and recycled items. After training, some of these artisans continue to be employed by the organization, while others set up independent production in the provinces and RCC purchases and markets many of their products in their showrooms in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Everyone who works at RCC has some form of physical disability, from the guard at the gate on up to the co-directors of the organization. Rehab Craft Cambodia is a non-profit, local fair trade NGO that has been operating since 1995. RCC was originally funded by a New Zealand organization, but has been financially independent and a certified member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) [formerly The International Fair Trade Association] since 2004. Today, Rehab Craft Cambodia continues striving to see Cambodians with disabilities and marginalized people improve their standard of living and be recognized as valuable, contributing members of society.
Management Team
Mr. Sophan Chan has recently been promoted to Co-Director of Rehab Craft Cambodia. Because of his English skills, Sophan started out as a shop assistant in 1996 at the Phnom Penh store. He was then promoted to shop supervisor. In 2000, he was asked to move to Siem Reap, Cambodia to become the retail shop manager there. His responsibilities were increased in 2005, when he was asked to also take over management of workshop production in Siem Reap. In 2006, he became the Accounting Administrator, and in 2009 he was promoted to Co-Director.
Mr. Ang Narith started working at Rehab Craft Cambodia on September 1, 2011 as Finance and Admin. He was then promoted to join management team after he passed three months probation period. His responsibilities were later expanded to all general control. He now serves as part of the senior management team as RCC's Finance and Admin Officer.
Mr. Check Chan has been with Rehab Craft Cambodia since its beginnings in 1995. He started out as a messenger, and was then promoted to security guard. In 1998, he became the stock recorder, and in 2000 he was promoted to Production Manager in Phnom Penh. As Production Manager, he now serves as part of the senior management team.
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